Q1 2026 (January–March) at a glance
144
posts & videos
41
House of Commons speeches
4
EDA events
185
photos
Focused on:Community events and local organizations Advocacy for Kitchener Centre in the House of Commons Jobs, innovation and local business Safe communities Drug crisis
The first three months of 2026 Kelly DeRidder, MP for Kitchener Centre was busy. This edition covers 144 posts and videos, 41 House of Commons speeches and 4 EDA events. Here are some highlights of her work for the riding.
In the House of Commons
In her maiden speech, Kelly spoke about growing up in Kitchener and studying mechanical engineering at Conestoga. She said she is committed to a future where affordability is not an obstacle and jobs provide stability.
She also shared what she heard at the doors: parents stretching every dollar, young people worried about buying a home, and small businesses trying to stay afloat. She pointed to the Waterloo Regional Food Bank, where she said 29,786 hampers were distributed between 2023 and 2024. Kelly said she will keep working for lower taxes, affordable housing and practical solutions.
Kelly also spoke about keeping Kitchener Centre a hub for innovation, with opportunity for every worker, student and small business.
“I am here to listen. I am here to act.”
From Kelly’s Facebook video
Helping Residents with Federal Services
Kelly's constituency office helps people who are stuck in federal systems. In one case, working directly with the CRA helped a local family secure over $15,000 in backdated benefits, along with corrected ongoing payments and additional rebates. Kelly also said the office has delivered more than $55,000 in CRA adjustments, some on files stalled for years.
The team also stayed with an immigration file after years of effort with no result. Tahire, who is battling cancer, was reunited with her family on March 2.
The office also shared practical help. It had printed tax forms on hand, offered guidance for Kitchener Centre residents affected by security concerns in Mexico, and reminded people to be careful about who they trust with immigration applications.
“When federal programs fall short or files get stuck, we step in.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Around Kitchener Centre
On March 13, Kelly hosted her first free Seniors Clinic at the Rockway Centre. It connected seniors with resources, information and professional services in one place. She thanked everyone who came and said she hopes to host more events like it.
Kelly joined the Coldest Night of the Year walk for Ray of Hope Inc. She said the community raised just under $250,000, with more than 600 people showing up in person. She also celebrated the 5th anniversary of Tiny Home Takeout, which has prepared more than 695,000 meals with the help of over 200 volunteers. At the 28th Annual Pancake Lunch for the Child Witness Centre, more than 360 community members raised over $52,000.
She also joined the Kosovo Independence Day, Lunar New Year and Holi celebrations. Other stops included a Family Day gathering at Weber Park, a town hall with neighbours of many faiths, and a Youth Roundtable at the Kitchener Public Library.
“This is what community looks like when we rally for the most vulnerable.”
From Kelly’s Facebook video
Jobs, Innovation and Housing
Kelly toured local employers and innovators. Barbarian Sports Wear Inc. has made Canadian apparel for 47 years and employs 65 people in the community. She also visited XL Tool Inc., Intellijoint and Cabinovo, and met with the president of Wilfrid Laurier University about artificial intelligence. She also spoke with the building trades in Waterloo Region, and said she wants federal promises to turn into real jobs.
On housing, Kelly walked the Shadow Minister of Housing through the BuildNow project. It brings together the City of Kitchener, the City of Waterloo, local developers and non-profit housing partners. She also met with Reception House Waterloo Region about helping refugees move into stable, affordable housing.
Safer Communities and Recovery
Kelly rode along with Sergeant Bill Hand of the Waterloo Regional Police Service. She also heard that officers responded to over 11,000 incidents in the downtown core in 2024. She said police need the right tools, and that community safety must come first.
On the drug crisis, Kelly toured the new HART Hub, a safe, abstinence-based place for people working toward recovery and stable housing. She also recognized Frontline Recovery. In her Private Member's Bill, Bill C-240, a judge could prescribe rehabilitation to an inmate, who could choose to take that path. Kelly said it offers another way to break the cycle and lead a different life.
Follow along with Kelly's work and join the local team as a volunteer or donor. If you need help with a federal service, contact Kelly's constituency office at [email protected].
